Beast

Henry McCoy grew up taunted as "Monkey Boy" and "Joe Bananas" because of his ape-like appearence; when he was identified as a mutant, his parents rejected him as well. In his late teens he was recruited by Jean Grey (Marvel Girl) and dubbed Beast, becoming a founding member of Charles Xavier's X-Men. He helped rescue Bobby Drake (Iceman) from Sentinels in Times Square and fell in love with his teammate Storm, though low self-esteem prevented him from openly expressing it. When the X-Men battled the Brotherhood of Mutants in Croatia to rescue the U.S. President's kidnapped daughter, Beast was critially injured. A revolutionary transplant technique saved his life, but a side effect turned his hair blue. In spite of this close call, he soon returned to action when Magneto led a Sentinel attack that ended in Magneto's apparent death. Beast and Storm became an item, though he couldn't understand why such a beautiful girl would be interested in a "fat guy."

When the X-Men were abducted by rogue government agency Weapon X, Doctor Cornelius enhanced Beast's animalistic qualities, leaving him with blue fur, claws and fangs. Even more insecure about his looks, Beast began an online correspondence with "Naomi," actually the Brotherhood's Blob playing a prank. After rogue telepath David Xavier claimed his father Charles made Storm fall for Beast in order to keep Hank in the school, Beast shut Storm out, fearing it was true; he increasingly confided in Naomi, eventually revealing Magneto's survival. The Brotherhood ambused Beast, beating him until he disclosed Magneto's location. With Magneto's return, the X-Men became fugitives, hunted by the authorities, battling S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Ultimates; they finally redeemed themselves by recapturing Magneto and preventing him from destroying Florida. With the X-Men recognized as heroes, Hank was shocked to find his parents now accepted him, though he realized they merely wished to cash in on his newfound fame. Renewing his relationship with Storm, Beast continued to be active on the Internet, carelessly discussing the X-Men's angelic new recruit Warren Worthington on his fan website. When religious demonstrations ensued, Hank's teammates berated him for his foolishness. Feeling insecure again, and aware of the handsome Warren's attraction to Storm, Beast quit the X-Men after he was approached for Emma Frost's new mutant spokesperson program. At the group's public unveiling, a rogue government faction released a Sentinel; while trying to get others to safety, Beast was struck by debris and killed. He was buried in the Xavier Mansion grounds in a private ceremony; his parents did not bother to attend.

Beast with his blue fur